I'm frequently surprised by growers who think that just because a plant will tolerate a particular condition, somehow that condition must have no negative effects on a plant; or that the way they treat their plants is an appropriate model for others. The fact is, that most plants that thrive at higher temperatures cannot carry on photosynthesis effectively when mean temperatures are much lower than 65*. And at temperatures lower than about 60*, N becomes very difficult for the plant to assimilate. Essentially the low temperatures some suggest are a-ok, force the plant to operate on 'battery power' - which would be the plant dipping into its (stored) energy reserves to fuel its day to day activities and keep its systems orderly. That means that at low mean temperatures, the plant is back-sliding - losing potential. (The collective) YOU may not be able to actually see the ill effects, but that is no reason to assume they are not in play. A plant that is kept warmer will still be able to carry on photosynthesis, so if all else is equal, they will develop faster, grow larger, and bloom sooner. Where plants are concerned, lost potential isn't readily seen, but it is a chronic issue for those who don't fully understand how to systematically eliminate or at least ameliorate those conditions that have the potential to limit our plants. Keep in mind that lost potential is lost forever. It can never be regained, even if the plant was restored to perfect health and grown under perfect conditions for as long as it remains viable. Clusty - you'd do well to keep your plants at mean temps higher than 60-65*, so I think you made the right decision. Al

Hi there, well firstly I'm no adenium expert but I have been able to grow 3 to just over 3yrs old and one to 2 yrs old from seeds here in the less than tropical conditions of the UK. Saying that, I have lost far more than are surviving at present...haha!! I found the site below very useful in helping me out along with folks here on the plumie and cactus&succ forums. Very young seedlings can take a lot more water than older plants which should be treated as cacti in the winter...very little water if at all, through to tropicals in the summer months...taking up rather more water than you would imagine. Apart from when thay are germinating the soil should drain as fast as water is put onto it really, the faster the better, never let them sit in wet saucers. My last batches of seeds failed miserably, I think that was due to old seeds from ebay, but I have yet to find them for sale as seed or plants here in the UK except for one plant I saw several years ago which was too dear. Here's a pic of mine for you to see. One of the bigger 3yr old plants made buds last year and the year before in late summer early autumn but they all aborted before they developed fully. Our season is so short and we dont get prolonged high temps sadly....but its fun trying!! Here is a link that might be useful: adenium info

I'm "Bob" I was using my partners account for this thread. My seedlings were looking really good they had all branched out by early Oct 2016 and were nice little fatties with round ping pong size caudex and 3-5 branches. Unfortunately i moved to a new place that had alot of property, but no room to grow indoors. I went on a trip to Florida and was afraid it was going to get too cold so I had a roommate bring them into a hoophouse that was on the property, with all the rest of my tender plants. The hoop house was unventilated and there were a couple days where the temps bounced back to the low to mid 90s, the hoop house temps got to around 115-120+ degrees F. The sap in all my adenium, plumerias, and dorstenias "boiled" and exploded. i was devistate when i came home to a bunch of boiled exploded plants. because of this I decided to start growing and collecting succulents that are cold hardy so I didnt have to do the succulent shuffle. after the trauma of loosing all my adeniums I stopped coming on the forum. I miss adeniums lots though and im planning a move to southern california partly so i can start growing plants that wont make it through my winters up here in north east california. About 80 percent of my motivation to move has to do with growing these plants year round outside. im hoping to be living down south by mid to end dec 2017. The peat plugs that they were started in, in the aerogarden were planted into pots and the adeniums were starting to establish real nice too. the only plants that survived the tragedy were four of my fockea edulis which started putting out new growth late in the spring 2017.. my fockeas even survived the winter with little protection since i thought they were just pots with soil in them. i thought they had died too. when i do start adenium seeds again it will be hydroponically. until then im growing lots of sempervivums,jovibarbas, aloes, haworthias and gasterias. ive also just started working a little with echeverias, but they still make me nervous that it might get too cold in the winter here for them. I took offsets from a friend who has them in her garden year round, and i akso planted mine into the ground, so they should be good with a light cover even with a short freeze. sorry I dont have them anymore to show pictures!

... I know you were (and are), Dianne. This is an experience for us all. Adeniums are prone to rot and must be examined often. They must be kept in a fast draining medium suitable to your specific climate. Water needs are also specific to climate. Pagan and others can share their recommendations for gritty mix. Where are you located? I don't think the branches are clear of rot yet. The inside should have no color other than clean white tissue. I have not had any luck rooting cuttings but know they must be kept relatively dry. Now that this experience is behind you, would you consider purchasing seeds and growing your own babies? If you wish, there's a "Grow Out" just beginning on this forum and a few seeds is all that's required. The group is currently deciding on what seed to purchase. You will glean a wealth of knowledge from the experience. If interested, add your name here: http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/4055831/time-for-another-grow-out-part-1?n=12 All the very best to you. - Maria Elena